Japan protests China’s travel warning after remarks on Taiwan

China issued its advisory on Friday, telling its citizens not to visit Japan in the near future. It referred to previous incidents involving Chinese nationals in Japan and accused Takaichi of making “erroneous remarks” about Taiwan that damaged the atmosphere for exchanges between the two countries.

Kihara told reporters that differences between the governments made “multilayered communication” even more important, Kyodo said.

China has repeatedly urged its citizens to take precautions when travelling in Japan during the past year. But AP reported that the latest advice appeared stronger, as seen in notices published by the Chinese embassy in Tokyo.

Japan is a major destination for Chinese tourists, providing important economic support to the travel sector. Following China’s announcement, several Chinese airlines offered penalty-free refunds for tickets to Japan.

The dispute highlights tensions between the two countries as Takaichi begins her term. She supports strengthening Japan’s military in response to China’s activities in the region.

Takaichi, who took office last month, told parliament that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could be “an existential threat” to Japan and might require Japan’s military to use force. China strongly objected, including through a social media comment by its consul general in Osaka, who wrote that China had “no choice but to cut off that dirty neck that has been lunged at us.” The post was later removed, AP reported.

China views Taiwan as its own territory and has carried out military drills near the island in recent years.

Neither Japan nor the United States has formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but the US is the island’s main supplier of defence equipment and opposes any use of force. Japan is a US ally and hosts several American military bases, including a major naval base south of Tokyo.